From being covered in green body paint head to toe to wearing witches hats and ball gown dresses to the movie theatres, Wicked: For Good has had a wide variety of viewers waiting for the second and last movie to finish off this saga. Coming out almost exactly a year after the first movie on Nov. 21, Wicked: For Good wrapped up the saga’s long awaited second half. 

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie is based off of the Broadway production Wicked which began showing in 2003. In an interview with TIME, Chu said that he “wanted a movie that entertains and has a message.” His vision was to add extra depth to the story and invoke emotion to the viewer. 

Many complex movies within the past few years have chosen the easier option to use AI and CGI when it comes to difficult and daunting scenes. Yet, the cast and crew took the characters’ costumes to defy gravity. Using harnesses, wires, Cynthia Ervio decided to shoot her stunts practically, and makes Wicked a great representation of how realistic and lifelike these elements can turn out when given the time.

With all of these details that went into the production, many viewers hold the first movie close to their heart and go into the theatres in hopes of reliving that same feeling with this continuation to the saga, yet, both of these movies have very different tones and impressions. The first feels very vivid, alive, and bright as it shows the origin and the characters’ flourishing beginnings but on the other hand, Wicked: For Good has a very solemn and emotional turn as it shows the downfall of many and the darker aspects to the plot.

A major appeal to the Wicked films is the raw talent and vocals throughout that Ariana Grande and Erivo showcase. Playing the leads of Glinda and Elphaba respectively, the duo sang majority of the songs in both movies and stood up to the plate. Grande and Erivo are both  strong and unique vocalists; their voices blended and matched each other without it feeling like a competition. 

Within the first movie the song What Is This Feeling left viewers stunned by the flawless blend of Erivo and Grande’s voices, and in Wicked For Good the song For Good left the same effect. The polyphony of these songs adds an extra layer of dimension and emotion. They are songs that can be played repetitively and have new meaning that can be found after each listen. Whether it’s blatantly said within the lyrics, tone change, or just a brisk sound of angst or frustration in the voice, there is so much that can be said about the characters through the music. 

While watching the film there was one aspect of it that lacked behind and made the overall film feel unfinished, the pacing. In the first movie the overall tone was much lighter but in Wicked: For Good it was much more tense with more issues and struggles. This movie had many heavy scenes with Elphaba that were underdeveloped and incomplete; it felt like her emotions were overlooked and not dove into enough especially with the gravity that came with some of these scenes. Many minor plot points dragged on forever while pinnacle parts were rushed and not given the time they deserved. It made the movie feel too long while also feeling like there were many points untouched. 

There are not many movies that enter theatres with the strong and faithful fanbase that Wicked has and this comes to their advantage. With many people already being familiar with the world of Wicked there was a sense of safety when it came to this movie hitting the theatre.

Even before the movie was announced many people knew of it from the original book and Broadway production, andhere is no doubt in saying that the Wicked franchise has been one of the most successful takeovers in a long time. With merchandise on everything from beauty products, to toys and dolls, to pairs of crocs. The Wicked team has found their way into advertising to every age group and has a broad appeal. This is also one factor that has led to the overall fame of the saga. Not only is this merchandising reaching every audience it also is being showcased in every day products which leads the consumer to be more willing to purchase. Their marketing branched out past these objects into restaurants and grocery stores, Chilis had a Witch Brew and Good Mitch margaritas, Dunkin had a Wicked Good donut and drink lineup for the movie, and to a mystery color mac and cheese from Great Value.

There is no doubt in saying Wicked: For Good is a force to be reckoned with as it has a strong story line, costuming, vocal talent, and overall acting. Whether you’re into musicals or you would rather enjoy a quieter more solemn movie the Wicked series has a little bit of everything for all.